PU regional centre-cum extension library (PURC), Ludhiana, is going to start pre-PhD classes in Punjabi in summer vacations this year. However, the course has not been able to attract many teachers.

PU regional centre-cum extension library (PURC), Ludhiana, is going to start pre-PhD classes in Punjabi in summer vacations this year. However, the course has not been able to attract many teachers.

Panjab University (PU) had allowed PURC to start the classes in January. The idea behind starting the classes in Ludhiana was to enable participation of working teachers as earlier they either had to leave their jobs or attend classes in Chandigarh, which was difficult as theor institutions did not allow long leaves.

Talking to HT, director of PURC Hardiljit Singh Gosal said, “Only three teachers have applied for pre-PhD classes and if we are to start the classes in summers then we need at least 10 candidates as per university norms.”

He added, “This is a good opportunity for the teachers and after doing this course, candidates themselves can become guides. There was a long-pending demand of the teachers to start this pre-PhD course in Ludhiana but now when we have received permission from the university, teachers are not coming forward for this course.”

A professor, at condition of anonymity, said, “I think there is a need to create awareness about this opportunity because many teachers would like to improve their qualification and get better pay scales. The regional centre authorities must inform college principals so that they can further inform the teachers about the classes. This course is important for all teachers as PhD is an essential qualification for getting promotion as an associate professor and principal in colleges.”